I learned to surf on a trip to Costa Rica. We waited until our last full day in CR to try surfing, and subsequently extended the length of our stay because honestly, one day surfing was NOT enough. So....

Done! Got up second or third time trying to surf in Costa Rica...only to fall off onto a stingray and get shot in the foot!! Locals 'fixed' my foot by taking me dancing and forcing copious amounts of....

Did it in Cali, and i LOVED it, and started going to Cali more often to surf. I do sometimes in jersey, but waves suck here... Hawaii was ruff the time of year i went, so i recommend Cali... deff go....